In a significant move, the state government has appointed retired IAS officer Rakesh Singh (1989 batch) as the new chairperson of the Karnataka Real Estate Regulatory Authority (K-RERA), effective Thursday. The position had been vacant since May, following Singh’s retirement as Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) of the Urban Development department.
Singh, who retired in late May, is expected to lead K-RERA for nearly five years, barring any changes by the government. As per the Housing department’s order, he will receive the salary and allowances stipulated for the chairperson under the Karnataka Real Estate Rules.
The appointment follows speculation in June that Singh might be named to the role. Despite competition from other retired IAS officers such as G C Prakash and Kapil Mohan, Singh was reportedly favored by Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, a factor that likely influenced the selection process.
Singh brings extensive experience to the position, having previously served in key roles with the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike, Bangalore Development Authority (BDA), and the Urban Development department. His appointment comes at a crucial time when public confidence in K-RERA has waned, with many home buyers expressing frustration over the perceived ineffectiveness of the regulatory body.